Egypt explores local technologies for phosphoric acid production, seawater desalination

Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat reviewed research projects aimed at using locally available raw materials to produce phosphoric acid, upgrade phosphate ore and extract potassium, alongside the development of a new technology for seawater desalination.

During a field visit to the Nuclear Research Centre at the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority’s site in Anshas, Esmat also attended laboratory experiments demonstrating water purification using locally sourced natural materials.

The projects are part of the government’s efforts to maximise the economic returns from natural resources, link scientific research with industrial applications and localise advanced technologies, the ministry said in a statement.

During the visit, Esmat received a briefing on a project to recover and concentrate phosphorus pentoxide from phosphate mining waste, which contains concentrations ranging from 10% to 21%.

The proposed process involves several stages, including the separation of silica and heavy elements such as iron, before converting the recovered material into purified phosphoric acid for use in agricultural, food and industrial applications.

He also reviewed research into the use of glauconite, a mineral rich in potassium and magnesium, as well as the production of ferrosilicon, a material used in metal manufacturing.

The minister witnessed laboratory tests demonstrating the use of natural local materials for water purification. The research team also presented a locally developed technology for seawater desalination, which officials said could help reduce the cost of treating saline water.

Esmat described the projects as scientific and technological advances that could deliver more cost-effective solutions. He added that the ministry would support the development of applied research projects and the establishment of the necessary economic entities in cooperation with relevant state institutions.

He said the Atomic Energy Authority had accumulated expertise across several fields, including medical sciences, disease treatment, land reclamation, improving crop productivity, agricultural processing and product preservation.

The visit also focused on ways to translate research findings into increased production and manufacturing capacity, make better use of domestic raw materials and strengthen technology transfer.